Matchups, schedule for Day 3 of the B1G Tournament

The B1G Tournament has provided us plenty of excitement through the first two rounds. But now, things start to heat up even more as we enter the quarterfinal round in Chicago.

Five of the first six games were decided by eight points or less, with two of those matchups being decided in overtime. If the next three days are anything like the first two, we’re in store for some really good basketball.

The top four seeds are in action for the first time in the B1G Tournament. Everyone else has played one game, with the exception of Nebraska, which has won two games.

Here’s what the matchups look like on Day 3 in Chicago:

#8 Ohio St. (19-13) vs. #1 Michigan St. (25-6)

Tipoff: 12:30 p.m. ET

What’s at stake: After beating Indiana on Thursday, Ohio State has likely punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament. But it would assure itself a spot in the Big Dance with a victory over Michigan State on Friday. The Spartans are hoping to improve their seeding while making a push at winning their first B1G Tournament title since 2016.

#13 Nebraska (18-15) vs. #4 Wisconsin (22-9)

Tipoff: 2:55 p.m. ET (approximately)

What’s at stake: Nebraska’s improbable run continues. Tim Miles is still on the hot seat and the Huskers are hoping to at least land a spot in the NIT, possibly even host a game. Obviously, a win keeps their tournament hopes alive, too. There probably isn’t much on the line for Wisconsin, other than building some momentum before entering the NCAA Tournament.

#7 Minnesota (20-12) vs. #2 Purdue (23-8)

Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

What’s at stake: A victory over Penn State on Thursday probably locks Minnesota into an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament, but a second win over Purdue on the resume wouldn’t hurt the Gophers’s case. Minnesota would also like a trip to the semifinals for just the second time under Richard Pitino. Purdue is hoping to make its third trip to the B1G Tournament title game in four years. Winning the tournament could result in a two seed come Selection Sunday, too.

#6 Iowa (22-10) vs. #2 Michigan (26-5)

Tipoff: 9:25 p.m. ET

What’s at stake: With Iowa winning the only matchup during the regular season, revenge will be on Michigan’s mind on Friday. The Wolverines are chasing history, trying to become the first team in B1G Tournament history to claim the title for three straight years. Michigan could also climb as high as a two seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes haven’t played on a Friday in this tournament in six years, so they’re looking to continue building confidence.

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB